Summer Has Arrived: Here’s What to Do With It

It’s the solstice today, the longest day of the year and the official start of summer, at least from mother nature’s point of view. What to do with all these long days, warm nights and sunshine? We have a few ideas.

Hot Fun: Your Summer Guide to Live Music, Indoors and OutOne of the absolute best things about living in New York City is the abundance of amazing music to see during the summer, much of it free and outdoors. Our music columnist, David Chiu, put together this list of all the shows you won’t want to miss over the next few months. And staff writer, Gabrielle Alfiero is posting her weekly concert picks, in case the master list is too overwhelming.City Screens: Your Summer Guide to Outdoor Films Under the StarsYes, you have to show up early to get a good spot for most outdoor movies, but in our experience someone is always up to play hooky and jostle for position. Or, if you’re headed to SyFy Movies with a View at Brooklyn Bridge Park, have a freelancer friend take advantage of the free wifi and work and save your spot at the same time. Kate Hooker created a comprehensive calendar of outdoor movies that you can subscribe to, and wrote up her top picks for the summer.

Status Update on City BeachesFeeling beachy? You don’t have to leave town to get your sand and surf in, there are tons of local options (our fave being a mid-week steal away to Sandy Hook, via ferry). And remember, Long Beach is free until July 4.

Bike Rides for EverybodyRight now we’re enjoying some seriously perfect bike riding weather. We’ve got a few rides to suggest, whether you’re a daily cyclist or just trying out your first Citi Bike. Either way, pack a picnic and don’t forget your helmet.

Outdoor Bars We LoveBefore or after a show or a movie, on a lazy weekend afternoon, on a gloriously warm evening, sipping a drink in the open air really is the epitome of summer leisure. Here’s our go-to list of outdoor bars (and stay tuned for a new installation later this summer).

You’re on a BoatThere are a surprising number of boat houses, boating clubs and ways to get out on the water in a kayak or canoe around the city, often for free or very low cost. Here’s our guide to boating New York City’s waterways.

13 Things You GOTTA Do This SummerLast summer we published this list of 13 things to do in and around the city. We’ve updated all the calendar listings and prices, and we stand by this guide as the pathway to a perfect summer.